Hysteros

Hysteros is a combining form derived from the Greek word hystera, meaning uterus. In medical terminology, hysteros (and its variant hystero-) is used to indicate a relationship to the uterus and appears in many terms describing anatomy, diagnostics, and procedures. It is not typically used as a standalone word outside of these compound forms.

The form is common in obstetrics and gynecology, where it helps name instruments, procedures, and imaging techniques that involve the uterine cavity or uterus as a whole. In practice, hystero- can appear before vowels, while -os or -o may appear in consolidated forms, contributing to terms such as hysteroscopy, hysteroscope, and hysterosalpingography. These terms cover direct visualization of the uterine cavity, or imaging of the uterus and fallopian tubes with contrast material.

Examples of terms containing hystero- include hysteroscopy (a procedure using a hysteroscope to view the inside of the uterus), hysterosalpingography (an radiologic examination of the uterus and fallopian tubes), and hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus, a procedure often discussed in gynecologic care). The prefix is also found in anatomical descriptions and in research terminology related to uterine structure and function.

See also: obstetrics, gynecology, uterus, medical prefixes and suffixes.